The future of Kevin Durant on the Phoenix Suns looks incredibly murky right now. While everyone expects Durant to move on to a new challenge in the summer, the Suns have to get the perfect return package for their forward. If they don’t, the team might handicap any hopes of a future rebuild around Devin Booker.
Due to Durant’s contract entering its final year in 2025-25, the Suns can’t trade Durant away without ensuring whichever team acquires him is one he would sign a contract extension with. Instead of a messy trade saga, it seems that the forward has already prepared a list of five teams he would be interested in joining.
Let’s take a deeper look at what these five teams could offer in a potential Durant trade to the Suns and if it makes sense.
Miami Heat
Miami Heat Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Terry Rozier, Andrew Wiggins, Kel’el Ware, 2025 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2031 First-Round Pick (MIA)
This deal brings the Miami Heat a Jimmy Butler replacement but at a higher level and at a greater cost. Losing three rotational players, especially when one has a high ceiling like Ware, is not easy to stomach. But when it gives Pat Riley the chance to end frustrations around him not committing to acquiring a star, he might seriously consider breaking the bank for a modern great.
Rozier is having a rough season but joins the Suns as an expiring contract, with the relief being massive for them given their apron troubles. Wiggins is averaging 18.2 points and 4.4 rebounds and joins on a short-term contract. He’d also help the Suns in any win-now plans alongside Devin Booker as a proven 3-and-D role-player.
Ware is averaging 9.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks as a rookie, finally pushing Bam Adebayo to full-time power forward. But the addition of Durant likely means he will become the full-time four with Bam Adebayo at center. With Tyler Herro as the lead guard and a conveyor belt of homegrown role-players, the Heat could emerge as contenders next season with Durant.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Naz Reid (Sign-and-Trade), Donte DiVincenzo, Rob Dillingham, 2026 Second-Round Pick (IND/MIA/SAS), 2029 Second-Round Pick (MIN)
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been linked with Durant since the winter. Given that they are reportedly on Durant’s list of destinations, it’s no surprise to see why, even though they are in a theoretically small market. Durant would love the opportunity to play alongside Anthony Edwards and bring the franchise under new ownership closer to their franchise’s first title.
The Suns would love this player package in return, even if it lacks first-round picks due to the Wolves’ empty coffers. Naz Reid is averaging 14.4 points and 6.0 rebounds this season and is the perfect big man for the Suns. Donte DiVincenzo is averaging 11.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists amid a tough season, but he could easily find his old self back in a new situation.
Rob Dillingham is a long-term bet for future point guard, but it could pay off and allow Booker to return to his natural shooting guard role. The Wolves will be fierce with a Durant, Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Rudy Gobert core. Their window will be small, but one that a rising Edwards will be able to extend with his progression.
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Devin Vassell, 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2031 First-Round Pick (SAS)
The San Antonio Spurs already broke the bank on a marquee winter acquisition when they brought De’Aaron Fox to be the franchise point guard. Victor Wembanyama is the clear star they’re building around, and they have to find the perfect complementary stars to add around him. So, one of the greatest and most efficient off-ball scorers of all time, like Durant, is a natural fit.
The Suns get multiple future picks, including a 2025 lottery pick from the Atlanta Hawks. Devin Vassell joins the franchise after averaging 16.3 points and 4.0 rebounds this season. Vassell can help the win-now cause in Phoenix, while the future picks will allow the franchise the maneuverability to reshape their roster by trading Bradley Beal away.
The Spurs get the perfect offensive mentor for Wembanyama with another seven-footer who can teach him multiple tips and tricks. The team has a great defensive foundation, giving Durant a straightforward role of being a bucket to ensure the team can compete against the best in the Playoffs.
Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Fred VanVleet, Cam Whitmore, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2025 First-Round Pick (HOU), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX), 2029 First-Round Pick (PHX)
There are multiple ways the Houston Rockets could entice the Suns into dealing with them over Kevin Durant. While they can offer multiple talented young stars such as Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr., and more, doing a deal to maximize the draft return for the Suns while minimizing player loss for the Rockets would be perfect.
Fred VanVleet joins the Suns after averaging 14.3 points and 5.6 assists with the Rockets. He’s not worth the $40+ million he’ll be on next season, but it’s an expiring contract with massive cap relief.Â
Cam Whitmore gives them future hope despite averaging 9.1 points and 3.0 rebounds this season. The multiple future Suns draft picks will return control of their franchise’s future, and there’s no player you blow that deal open for.
The Rockets essentially maintain their core with the need to add a point guard, which other young players could be traded to facilitate. Durant would give the Rockets the offensive punch they’ve missed all season and help them rise to the status of top-tier contenders.
New York Knicks
New York Knicks Receive: Kevin Durant
Phoenix Suns Receive: Karl-Anthony Towns, 2028 First-Round Pick Swap (NYK), 2030 First-Round Pick Swap (NYK)
The single-best returning player the Suns could land for Durant comes in this trade. If the New York Knicks want to get involved in the Durant business, they’ll likely have to part with All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns is averaging 24.3 points and 12.8 rebounds this season, being among the leaders in rebounding while dominating offensively.
Towns and Booker have a friendship dating back to their college days, so their fit might be seamless on the court. This is better than trying to take on OG Anunoby and some other additional salary for the Suns due to the offensive production they’ll need in Durant’s absence. It’s also perfect for the Suns, who retain a strong defensive core around Durant.
The Knicks will truly become one of the biggest attractions in the NBA if they have a superstar like Durant on the roster. It would also give them a real chance at contention, but it empties the Knicks’ future assets while taking an aggressive win-now direction.
